Dear Editor,
In Guyana we have been trying for 19 years to have local government elections, and finally these are set for March 18, thanks to the APNU+AFC coalition government. I think the new breed of candidates from the independents and the APNU+AFC stand a better chance of being elected as councillors since this is the first time that they are running for office and they are not tainted with corruption. Bear in mind that the positions for mayors/deputy mayors/chairmen and vice chairmen are elected by the councillors from the winning parties.
I have noticed for the first time in the history of Guyana, a debate was organized in Georgetown with the potential candidates. This was a success, and debates of this nature should not be limited to the city alone. I suggest that the organizers take them throughout the country where other candidates are vying to become councillors, which will increase opportunities for public participation; only then will we be able to make up our minds and vote for the correct candidates and quality of leadership.
Although I did not see the debate live on NCN and other channels, I saw the comments on social media and I thought the debate seemed of high quality. This is an indication that our youths have the potential to govern their communities at the local level. However, I was amazed that no women who are running as candidates were invited to participate. This could have been an opportune time for them to exhibit their talents. I hope in the next round the organizers will invite these women candidates to join their male counterparts in the local government debates.
I must reiterate from my experience as a former councillor and deputy mayor that no central governmental arrangement is likely to be viable without the input of local democracy. Each local democratic organ can be a living and vibrant body capable of effectively addressing itself to local needs. Central government has the right to synchronise action and policies, but autonomy is very important for the functioning of these municipalities and NDCs.
On August 4,1994, the first local government election was held for councillors, and subsequently mayors, deputies, chairmen and vice chairmen were installed, but there was too much political interference in in the councils’ affairs under the previous administration, hence they had no autonomy and couldn’t perform to the best of their ability.
I hope that these newly elected
councillors will be able to function independently and operate with autonomy in making decisions. This doesn’t mean that they are responsible to themselves and they can do whatever they wish. They will come under the microscope of the Minister of Communities and central government. In the past these councils depended heavily on government subventions to do major projects; they should be able to garner enough funds from their own rates and taxes, etc. But most of all they need better financial management of their accounts.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
